I’ve DEFINITELY heard many players talk about how lavish his lifestyle is, how much money he spends and how “well” Ray likes to live and how most of his private life is indeed “larger than life.” And I’ve had many question the relevancy of the pre-game dance and how selfish it appears to some people. That crazy dance will always be a “love it or hate it” issue and there’s nothing wrong with that. Me, I like it. It’s good for Baltimore and gets people fired up!

But to question Ray Lewis – the football player – would be foolish for anyone to entertain.

But the ultimate proof is in the influence Ray Lewis has with his generation of comrades in the NFL. It’s not at all a stretch to say he’s the most respected player in the NFL – a Buddah or pied piper of sorts for every young player in the game. He is his own mountain of energy and a fountain of information and opinions regarding what to do – and not do – while wearing the red, white and blue NFL shield on his helmet.

And players turn to Ray Lewis.

He’s literally a walking, text-friendly deity to most of the young players. And if he tells them how to do something they’re going to do it. It’s one of the reasons guys like Chris McAlister ran afoul of No. 52 at some point when it was perceived that someone on the team would get between him and another championship.

But Ray Lewis doesn’t need another Super Bowl championship in Dallas in February to cement his legend.

He doesn’t need one more electrifying pre-game dance to solidify his lock on the hearts of anyone who has ever cheered for the Ravens. Even Joe Flacco thinks the dance is a mandatory part of any purple fan experience as he says in his own words here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5v2DweW0UM

He’s been mentored and tutored by the best in the game and been around some fantastic people. But for many his whole being will be identified from one night in Atlanta. I think he’s escaped that here in Baltimore for the most part but it’s still a reality in middle America for many.

And through it all he’s followed some good advice given to him and he’s kept his head down, prayed, played football